Broadband Satellite News Digest

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News Digest

1999
Astrolink Raises Funding for Broadband Satellite Network 6-May-99
DirecPC Joins Broadcast.com Multicast Program 6-May-99
INTELSAT Provides Internet 2 Link to Israel 6-May-99
INTELSAT Demonstrates VoIP via Satellite 6-May-99
Hughes to Invest $1.4 Billion in Broadband Satellite System 17-Mar-99
 Nortel Networks Introduces Broadband Satellite Portfolio  03-Feb-99
 Matra Marconi Space and Nortel Collaborate on Broadband Satellites  03-Feb-99
Hongkong Telecom Leases 45 Mbps Satellite Internet Link 05-Jan-99
1998
Hughes Network Systems to Open Largest Satellite Networking Hub 16-Dec-98
Loral Plans Satellite-based Multicasting Services 10-Dec-98
FCC Makes More Spectrum Available for Broadband Satellites 20-Nov-98
ECI Telecom's Hi-TV System Tested in Eurovision ATM Network 15-Oct-98
COMSAT Extends ATM Satellite Link to Portugal's CPR Marconi 13-Oct-98
DIRECTV Japan Transports MPEG-2 / ATM to Satellite Uplink Site 01-Oct-98
iBEAM Plans Satellite Internet Broadcasting 30-Sept-98
SkyCache Signs AGIS for Satellite Datacasting Service 30-Sept-98
Lockheed Martin and Nortel Form Satellite Alliance   23-Sept-98
Lockheed Martin to Acquire Comsat for US$2.7 Billion 20-Sept-98
FCC Proposes New Broadband Satellite Spectrum Rules 18-Sept-98
 COMSAT Partners with SkyStation for Wireless Platform 16-July-98
 Admiral Bill Owens Joins Teledesic as Vice Chairman 09-July-98
 Orbital Awarded $260 Million Contract for Ka-band Satellites 08-June-98
 Teledesic and Motorola Combine Internet Satellite Efforts 21-May-98
 Sky Station Names Partners for Stratospheric Balloons 23-Apr-98
INTELSAT Creates New Skies Satellite Spin-off 03-Apr-98
Telesat Canada Orders World's Most Powerful Commercial Satellite 27-Mar-98
EET: IETF Drafts TCP Upgrade for Satellites 23-Mar-98
COMSAT Wins First ATM Via Satellite Contract 19-Mar-98
Teledesic's First Ka-Band Broadband Satellite Launched 26-Feb-98
NASA's ACTS Project Extended to 2000 Feb-98
Motorola's Celestri Selects Swiss Firm for Intersatellite Lasers 24-Feb-98
Motorola's Celestri Satellite Network To Use CGaAs Circuits 10-Feb-98
SECANT Provides ATM Security For Broadband Satellite Demo 03-Feb-98
Lockheed Martin Demonstrates IP/ATM Space Network 21-Jan-98
Teleglobe, Telstra Launch Hybrid Cable/Satellite Internet Link 15-Jan-98
1997
MCI Provides Telecom Malaysia With 45Mbps Internet Satellite Link 09-Dec-97
WRC Adopts Broadband Satellite Spectrum Sharing Agreement 21-Nov-97
Alcatel Announces New Skybridge Satellite Investors 12-Nov-97
Motorola Awards US$1billion Celestri Contract To Matra Marconi 29-Oct-97
Comsat Announces 2Mbps Small Satellite Dish Capability 21-Oct-97
Divicom Tool Merges Data With MPEG Video Streams 12-Sep-97
Nortel Forms Satellite Networks Solutions Unit 10-Sep-97
Raytheon Awarded $44 Million For Army Communications Programs 28-Aug-97
Com Dev and Newbridge Launch Spacebridge Networks Corporation 14-Aug-97
GDC Provides ATM to US Air Force Cape Canaveral 11-Aug-97
Sprint Testing ATM Via Satellite to Hong Kong, Taiwan 31-Jul-97
Loral and Alcatel Alliance for Multimedia Satellite Networks 18-Jun-97
Bell Labs Demos Ultra-high-power SMF Lasers 28-May-97
Boeing Takes 10% Equity Stake in Teledesic 29-Apr-97
Rockwell Semiconductor Forms Network Access Division 14-Apr-97
HNS Announces Adapter For MS Digital TV 16-Apr-97
Yurie Introduces ATM Access Mux Supporting Noisy Links 10-Apr-97
Divicom to Provide MPEG-2/DVB Systems to Australia's Optus 26-Mar-97
Comsat Announces Commercial ATM via Satellite Service 14-Mar-97
FCC Licenses Teledesic's "Internet-in-the-Sky" 10-Mar-97
Cebit: Intel Backs European Satellite Multimedia Company 12-Mar-97
Alcatel Files FCC Application for Multimedia Satellite Constellation 28-Feb-97

ASTROLINK RAISES $900 MILLION FOR BROADBAND SATELLITE NETWORK
Astrolink raised an initial $900 million in equity financing to launch up to nine, geostationary Ka-band (20-30 Ghz) satellites to provide broadband data communications services to customers in Europe and North and South America. Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications Group is investing $400 million cash in the venture, Telespazio (a unit of Telecom Italia) is investing $250 million cash and TRW is investing $250 million cash. The first Astrolink satellite is scheduled for launch in 2002, followed by the launch of three additional satellites at six-month intervals.

The Astrolink satellites are being designed with 6.5 Gbps capacity and the ability to support downlink speeds of up to 110 Mbps and uplink speeds of 20 Mbps per channel. The architecture will be based on ATM for supporting IP as well as synchronous voice and isochronous video services. Astrolink plans to offer a premium ATM
service for business customers, featuring CBR, rt-VBR, nrt-VBR, UBR and ABR services. Astrolink will build four regional control centers to validate users, monitor the system and provide set-up and tear-down functions. It will also build two satellite centers, three telemetry station and 30 to 50 Gateway Earth Stations providing interexchange, protocol conversion and uplink to the satellites at 143 Mbps per channel. The capital costs of the entire satellite network and terrestrial support system are estimated at $3.6 billion. Astrolink will seek strategic service provider partners, raise additional financing and possibly seek an IPO prior to launch. The company is based in Bethesda, Maryland. http://www.astrolink.com/

Astrolink, May 6, 1999

DIRECPC JOINS BROADCAST.COM MULTICAST PROGRAM
Hughes Network Systems' DirecPC satellite-based Internet service will begin narrowcasting "near TV-quality" Web content from broadcast.com. DirecPC will uplink selected content from featured events at broadcast.com at speeds as high as 1.2 Mbps. Subscribers will be able to view this "multicast" content as it is streaming
down from the DirecPC satellite. The DirecPC supports downstream access at up to 400 Kbps. Content will be available beginning in mid-May. http://www.broadcast.com/about/press/direcpc.stm

Broadcast.com, May 6, 1999

INTELSAT PROVIDES INTERNET 2 LINK TO ISRAEL
INTELSAT will provide the first satellite link to the Internet2 backbone by connecting Israel's Inter Universities Computation Center (IUCC) with academic institutions in the US. The duplex service will be carried over the INTELSAT 801 satellite and will initially operate at 45 Mbps using two 36 MHz transponders. It will be upgraded to a duplex 155 Mbps service using two 72 MHz transponders. The INTELSAT connection is expected to go live on June 1 in partnership with Israsat, a subsidiary of Gilat Communications. http://www.intelsat.int/news/press/99-15e.htm

INTELSAT, May 6, 1999

INTELSAT DEMONSTRATES VOIP VIA SATELLITE
INTELSAT demonstrated voice over IP via satellite in conjunction with a meeting of ETSI's Project TIPHON being held in Thailand. The satellite Internet connection was relayed through an earth station operated by Communications Authority of Thailand.
http://www.intelsat.int/
INTELSAT, May 6, 1999

HUGHES TO INVEST $1.4 BILLION IN BROADBAND SATELLITE SYSTEM
Hughes Electronics Corporation will invest $1.4 billion to launch a Ka-band satellite network providing broadband multimedia communications services in North America by 2002. The Spacewaybroadband network initially will consist of two geosynchronous orbit satellites built by Hughes Space and Communications, plus an in-orbit spare. Once the geosynchronous orbit Spaceway system is operating, the next phase will be a complementary nongeosynchronous system in lower earth orbits that would expand the capability for two way services. The Spaceway applications will be marketed under variations of the "Direc" name already used by Hughes. The company will seek partners to build similar systems for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia.  http://www.hns.com/news/pressrel/corporat/p031799.htm

Hughes, March 17, 1999

NORTEL NETWORKS INTRODUCES BROADBAND SATELLITE PORTFOLIO
Nortel Networks announced a broadband satellite portfolio that enables regional operators to provide Internet, corporate data and multimedia networking services via satellite. The system, which uses Ku-band Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) standards to provide download speeds of 38 Mbps, includes ground network hubs and a range of access units Société Européenne des Satellites (SES) will deploy the Nortel equipment in a regional broadband satellite network featuring a Ka-band satellite return channel system. http://www.nortelnetworks.com
Nortel, February 3, 1998

MATRA MARCONI SPACE AND NORTEL COLLABORATE ON BROADBAND SATELLITES
Nortel Networks and Matra Marconi Space have joined forces in a non-exclusive arrangement to offer advanced satellite network solutions. The companies already have several joint development projects already underway, including the network architecture for the Network Control Center of the European Space Agency (ESA). http://www.nortelnetworks.com
Nortel, February 3, 1999

HONGKONG TELECOM LEASES 45 MBPS SATELLITE LINK
Hongkong Telecom will lease a 45 Mbps satellite link from INTELSAT for an Internet trunk from the US to Hong Kong. The service will use a cable return link. http://www.hkt.com/ABOUT/press/pressrel99/990105.html

Hongkong Telecom, January 5, 1999

HUGHES NETWORK SYSTEMS TO OPEN WORLD'S LARGEST SATELLITE NETWORKING HUB
Hughes Network Systems is building its largest satellite-networking shared hub in Southfield, Michigan to serve between 10,000 and 15,000 remote, very small aperture terminal (VSAT) sites. The new hub will support all HNS satellite products, including DirecPC/Enterprise Edition, the integrated satellite business network (ISBN), the HNS interactive distance learning (IDL) network and the new generation of multimedia VSATs. The facility is expected to be operational in March 1999. HNS has 60% of the global VSAT market and has shipped more than 200,000 terminals. Separately, HNS announced that Bridge Information Systems would use its DirecPC satellite technology to distribute financial news and information at speeds up to 6 Mbps per second. http://www.hns.com/

HNS, December 16, 1998

LORAL PLANS SATELLITE-BASED MULTICASTING SERVICES
Loral Space & Communications plans to introduce satellite-based, multicast delivery services for multimedia content developers to corporations and ISPs. The services will use IP and Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards, as well as software licensed from The Fantastic Corporation of Switzerland. Fantastic's software allows customers to book, track and subscribe to multimedia services on a per-transaction basis. Distribution will occur over Loral Orion's global network of satellites. Service rollout is expected in early 1999. In September, Loral announced a WorldCast service that provides international satellite access into AGIS's IP backbone. Its WorldCast Business Edition service is targeted for availability in Europe in Q1 and for availability in Asia Pacific, India, and Latin America in 1999 when the new Orion 2 and Orion 3 satellites become operational. WorldCast Business Edition service will offer various committed information rates (CIRs), with added bursting capacity up to 2 Mbps. The data is transmitted over the Orion 1 satellite using sub-meter receive-only very small aperture terminals (VSATs), and linked to the Internet by Loral Orion’s ATM and Frame Relay network. http://www.LoralOrion.com./news/newsmain.htm

Loral, December 10, 1998

FCC MAKES MORE SPECTRUM AVAILABLE FOR BROADBAND SATELLITE SERVICE
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to make more spectrum available to Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) providers from the year 2000 forward. The addition of 70 megahertz of spectrum at 1990-2025 MHz (uplink) and 2165-2200 MHz (downlink) brings the US into close conformance with international MSS spectrum allocations. The FCC also proposed allowing non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed satellite services (FSS) to operate on a co-primary basis in the Ku-band. This proposal would allow NGSO satellite operators to provide global high-speed data services, thereby facilitating additional competition to other satellite, terrestrial wireless and wireline services. The Commission also has requested comment on a request to allow a terrestrial service to retransmit local television signals and provide data services to direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscribers. http://www.fcc.gov/

FCC, November 20, 1998

ECI TELECOM'S HI-TV TESTED IN EUROVISION ATM NETWORK
ECI Telecom's Hi-TV system has been tested for transmitting MPEG-2 4:2:2 video over an international terrestrial and satellite ATM link by the German Institut Fur Rundfunk Technik (IRT) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The network comprised a terrestrial ATM link over STM-1 between Munich and Frankfurt, and a 34 Mbps satellite ATM link between Frankfurt and Geneva. ECI Telecom's Hi-TV system was used as an ATM service multiplexer and as the video / audio encoder and decoder (operating at 18 Mbps) for the studio quality video. Further tests over satellite links are scheduled for January. http://www.ecitele.com./

ECI Telecom, October 15, 1998

COMSAT EXTENDS ATM SATELLITE LINK TO PORTUGAL'S MARCONI
CPR Marconi, a Portuguese carrier, began using an ATM satellite link from COMSAT to connect its Internet backbone to the US. COMSAT Digital Teleport is providing CPR Marconi with a 2Mbps ATM satellite circuit to the US and an 8Mbps return circuit back to Portugal. The service uses the INTELSAT 706 satellite. http://www.comsat.com/corp/news/prod_serv/prod_serv.html

COMSAT, October 13, 1998

DIRECTV JAPAN TRANSPORTS MPEG-2 / ATM TO SATELLITE UPLINK SITE
DiviCom and Victor Company of Japan (JVC) will supply headend equipment and MPEG-2 / ATM systems integration to DIRECTV Japan (DTVJ), the direct broadcast satellite service provider. A Divicom-based MPEG-2 compression system will be deployed at DTVJ's backhaul facility in Tokyo. At the Tokyo facility, incoming analog video is digitally compressed and statistically multiplexed onto a fiber-based ATM network for transmission to the DTVJ uplink site in Ibaraki prefecture, approximately 100 km away. Multiple DIRECTV transmission sites are linked over the ATM network. The new system will allow DIRECTV Japan to upgrade from 90 to 150 channels of TV programming by the end of the year. It will also launch a new interactive service called InteracTV. http://www.divi.com/

Divicom, October 1, 1998

LOCKHEED MARTIN AND NORTEL FORM SATELLITE NETWORKING ALLIANCE
Nortel and Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications have formed an alliance to market joint solutions to the satellite and terrestrial communications market. Earlier this week, Lockheed Martin announced its intention to acquire COMSAT as part of an aggressive expansion into global satellite services. http://www.nortel.com/
Nortel, September 23, 1998

FCC PROPOSES NEW BROADBAND SATELLITE SPECTRUM RULES
The FCC proposed new rules to share 18 GHz band spectrum between existing terrestrial fixed microwave operators and next generation broadband Geostationary Orbit (GSO) and Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. The FCC proposal would also align the US domestic Table of Allocations with the ITU's allocations for Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS). Terrestrial fixed users of 18 GHz spectrum include point-to-point microwave communications networks and cable television relay systems. There are several major ventures, including Teledesic, Lockheed's Astrolink System and Alcatel's SkyBridge, planning broadband satellite services. http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/News_Releases/1998/nrin8033.html
FCC, September 18, 1998

iBEAM PLANS SATELLITE INTERNET BROADCASTING
iBEAM Broadcasting Corporation, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, announced plans for a satellite-based network that will provide large scale streaming media distribution to ISPs across the continental US. The company proposes to use Hughes Network Systems' (HNS) DirecPC satellite platform for broadcasting live Internet events to an ISP's distributed POPs. The system provides 6 Mbps satellite downlink rates. Foundry Networks' layer 4 switch and caching system are used in the POP. Beta testing is underway with a limited number of content partners and service providers. http://www.ibeam.com/

iBEAM, September 30, 1998

SKYCACHE SIGNS AGIS FOR SATELLITE DATACASTING SERVICE
AGIS, a Tier 1 ISP, will resell satellite-based datacasting services from SkyCache to its ISP wholesale customers. SkyCache Inc.
of Laurel, Maryland is now providing satellite-based Web caching to 20 points-of-presence (POPs) in North America. SkyCache
said other several Tier 1 ISPs are evaluating its satellite broadcast service. SkyCache uses the Ku-band GE-3 satellite operated
by GE Americom for coverage of the continental US with spot beams to Alaska and Hawaii. http://www.skycache.com/
SkyCache, September 30, 1998

LOCKHEED MARTIN TO ACQUIRE COMSAT FOR US$2.7 BILLION
Lockheed Martin announced plans to acquire Comsat for US$2.7 in stock and cash. Comsat provides international satellite communications services, including the first commercial ATM satellite point-to-point service. Following the merger, Comsat would form part of Lockheed's new Global Telecommunications subsidiary, which will provide satellite-based services and terrestrial networking technologies for corporate and government customers. Lockheed's Astrolink broadband satellite venture aims to provide global interactive multimedia services. http://www.lmco.com/press-releases/comsat.html

Lockheed, September 20, 1998

COMSAT PLANS ATM SATELLITE SERVICES WITH SKYSTATION
COMSAT Laboratories was awarded a two-year, US$3.5 million contract to provide consulting services to Sky Station International, the venture planning to launch geostationary, helium-filled platforms in the stratosphere 21 kilometers above the world's major metropolitan regions. The Sky Station lighter-than-air platforms will use an onboard ATM infrastructure to deliver wireless communications at up to 2.048 Mbps (uplink) and 10.24 Mbps (downlink) directly to millions of subscribers within a 1,000 kilometer footprint. SkyStation has already secured regulatory approval from the ITU for 600 MHz of radio frequency worldwide. Registrations have filed with national regulatory authorities for over 50 Sky Station platforms. Comsat currently offers ATM via Satellite services to telecommunications carriers and multinational corporations at speeds from fractional T1 to 8 Mbps, and at E-3 (34 Mbps) or DS-3 (45 Mbps). http://www.comsat.com, http://www.skystation.com/

COMSAT, July 16, 1998

ADMIRAL BILL OWENS JOINS TELEDESIC AS VICE CHAIRMAN
Teledesic LLC, the "Internet in the Sky" broadband satellite venture, named Admiral William Arthur Owens as vice chairman of the board. Owens served as president of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) during its acquisition of Bellcore and Network Solutions, as well as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. In May, Teledesic and Motorola decided to consolidate their broadband satellite plans. The Teledesic venture also has the backing of Boeing, Matra Marconi Space, Bill Gates, Craig McCaw and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia. http://www.teledesic.com/newsroom/07-09-98.html
Teledesic, July 9, 1998

ORBITAL AWARDED $260 MILLION CONTRACT FOR KA-BAND SATELLITES
VisionStar Inc., holder of an FCC license for broadband satellite communications, awarded a US$260 million contract to Orbital Sciences Corporation for two geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) communications satellites and launch services. The satellites are to have 30 Ka-band broadcast transponders. VisionStar controls a geostationary orbital slot located directly over the central US, enabling the coverage footprint of the satellite to span the country, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. http://www.orbital.com/
Orbital Sciences, June 8, 1998

Teledesic and Motorola Combine Internet Satellite Efforts
Teledesic LLC and Motorola Inc. agreed to combine their ambitious "Internet-in-the-Sky" satellite ventures into a unified effort aimed at launching a constellation of low earth orbit (LEO) Ka-Band satellites. As part of the deal, Motorola will receive a 26% stake in Teledesic for a combination of cash and the value of design and development from Celestri (a total investment of US$750 million). Motorola will be the prime contractor for the global technology team; Boeing and Matra Marconi Space will also serve as founding industrial partners. Teledesic was initially backed by Craig McCaw and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. In April 1997, Boeing committed to invest $100 million in Teledesic and in April 1998, Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia invested $200 million in Teledesic.
(http://www.teledesic.com/newsroom/05-21-98.html)
Teledesic, May 21, 1998

SKY STATION NAMES PARTNERS FOR STRATOSPHERIC BALLOON PROJECT
Sky Station International, the venture that plans to launch, solar powered lighter-than-air communications platforms into the stratosphere, named its team of partners for the US$2.5 billion project. The goal is to launch stationary, balloons 21 km (70,000 ft) above major metropolitan areas to provide high-densities of T1/E1 class wireless services. The advantage would be lower cost and better latency characteristics than broadband LEO or GEO satellites. Aerospatiale SNI of France will design the floating platforms; Alenia Spazio/Finmeccanica of Italy will serve as the primary payload developer; COMSAT will provide network integration services; Dornier Satellitensysteme GmbH of Germany will supply sub-systems; Thomson-CSF will make gateway earth stations; Stanford Telecom will design user terminals and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will provide end-to-end systems integration. General
Alexander M. Haig is founder and Chairman of Sky Station. The ITU has already granted regulatory approval for the project to use the 47 GHz frequency band. (http://www.skystation.com/)
Sky Station, April 23, 1998

INTELSAT CREATES NEW SKIES SATELLITE SPIN-OFF
The governing bodies of INTELSAT agreed to create an independent spin-off company, temporarily called New Skies Satellites, N.V, as part of its overall restructuring plan. INTELSAT will transfer six of its existing satellites to New Skies, along with INTELSAT's broadband Ka-band frequency registrations in two key orbital locations. New Skies will be incorporated in The Netherlands and will have a diluted ownership via an initial public offering (IPO). NM Rothschild and and Goldman Sachs are financial advisors to the process. (http://www.intelsat.com/cmc/press/98-14.htm)
INTELSAT, March 31, 1998

TELESAT CANADA ORDERS WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL COMMERCIAL SATELLITE
Telesat Canada has ordered a commercial communications satellite from Hughes Space and Communications International bearing 48 Ku-band transponders and 36 C-band transponders, a 75% increase in capacity over Hughes' current generation HS 601 spacecraft. The satellite will have a footprint covering North and South America. Launch is planned for 2000. Hughes, which has booked over US$1 billion in new satellite orders during Q1, recently opened a factory in Los Angeles capable of producing and stress testing satellites operating in the powerful Ka-band frequencies. (http://www.hughespace.com/hsc_pressreleases/98_03_27_anikf1.html)
Hughes, March 27, 1998

EET: IETF DRAFTS TCP UPGRADE FOR SATELLITES
Work by NASA's Lewis Research Center on TCP connections over satellite has led to a new TCP Working Group at the IEFT, according to Electronic Engineering Times. TCP-SAT could also serve a replacement for IP Multicast in terrestrial networks, according to some observers quoted in the article, because it addresses the fundamental limitations in the transport protocol. (http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?EET19980323S0033, http://tcpsat.lerc.nasa.gov/tcpsat/)
EET, March 23, 1998

COMSAT WINS FIRST ATM VIA SATELLITE CONTRACT
COMSAT World Systems is providing ATM via satellite service to Puerto Rico's Telefonica Larga Distancia (TLD) for transporting Internet traffic to and from several South American countries. The ATM satellite link supports operates at up to 34 Mbps outbound from Puerto Rico to South America, while inbound traffic to Puerto Rico is supported at speeds up to 8 Mbps. COMSAT said the Puerto Rico TLD installation is the world's first commercial ATM satellite link. (
http://www.comsat.com/corp/news/prod_serv/prod_serv.html#atmcontract)
COMSAT, March 19, 1998

Teledesic's First Ka-Band Broadband Satellite Launched
Orbital Sciences Corporation successfully launched into space Teledesic's first Broadband Advanced Technology satellite. Teledesic 1, which is the world's first commercial Ka-band low earth orbit (LEO) spacecraft, was jointly designed and built by Orbital, Teledesic and Boeing. Teledesic, which is backed by Craig McCaw and Bill Gates, plan98_03_27_anikf1.htmls to launch 288 Ka-band LEO satellites to provide "fiber-like" services wordwide beginning in 2002. The satelites will operate in the Ka-band of the radio spectrum at 28.6 - 29.1 GHz for uplink and 18.8 - 19.3 GHz for the downlink. Teledesic shared the Orbital rocket payload with a NASA satellite for atmospheric studies. (http://www.atmdigest.com/pr130.html,%20http:/www.teledesic.com)
Orbital Sciences Corp, February 26, 1998

NASA's ACTs Project Extended to 2000
NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) project has been extended through September 2000, providing a continuing opportunity for industry and academia to experiment with its pioneering technology. The NASA satellite operates in the K and Ka-bands (30/20 GHz) and features dynamic hopping spot beams as well as advanced on-board traffic switching and processing. Data rates for the ACTS system range from a few kilobits per second to OC-12 ATM. Particular areas of focus for the extended ACTs experiment program are expected to include performance optimization of TCP/IP over satellite ATM networks, and performance studies of ground terminals designed for the next generation Ka-band constellations. Since the launch of ACTS in 1993, over one-hundred industry, government, and university ogranizations have participated in the Experiment Program. (http://kronos.lerc.nasa.gov/acts/eoa/eoa.html)
NASA

Motorola's Celetri Selects Swiss Firm for Intersatellite Lasers
Motorola's planned Celestri LEO satellite system has chosen Contraves Space, a division of the Zurich-based Oerlikon Contraves Group, to design its optical inter-satellite link (OISL) terminals. The OISL devices will allow the 63 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and nine geostationary orbit (GEOs) satellites in the Celestri system to communicate with each other across multiple high-speed laser links. Each LEO satellite will have its own on-board switching/routing equipment and six optical link terminals to interconnect it to nearby satellites in the Celestri constellation. Celestri plans to begin offering bandwidth-on-demand services at data rates ranging from 64Kbps to 155Mbps, by 2003. The Contraves Space contract is expected to exceed US$150 million. (http://www.mot.com/GSS/SSTG/projects/celestri/index.html)
Motorola, February 24, 1998

MOTOROLA'S CELESTRI SATELLITE NETWORK TO USE CGAAS
Motorola Semiconductor will develop custom complimentary gallium arsenide (CGaAs) logic circuits for its parent company's planned Celestri broadband satellite network. The proprietary silicon will offer a 7-to-1 power advantage over current CMOS technology. Motorola is seeking partners to launch a constellation of 63 intelligent low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, nine geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites, ground stations and terminal equipment to deliver broadband services to carriers and multinational companies globally. (http://www.mot.com/GSS/SSTG/projects/celestri/index.html)
Motorola, February 10, 1998

SECANT PROVIDES ATM SECURITY FOR BROADBAND SATELLITE DEMO
NASA's recent Consolidated Space Operations Contract (CSOC) broadband satellite demonstration provided by Lockheed Martin and its partners used SECANT Network Technologies' CellCase encryption systems on its 45Mbps links. The satellite communications configuration, which was based on NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite system, provided encryption of control information, data transfer channels and MPEG video streams with no perceptible delay in data transfer. (http://www.secantnet.com/r2_3_98.html)
SECANT, February 3, 1998

LOCKHEED MARTIN DEMONSTRATES SPACE COMMUNICATION NETWORK
Lockheed Martin, AlliedSignal, and Computer Sciences Corporation demonstrated a prototype space communications network linking control centers in Houston with spacecraft via NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS). The simulated spacecraft was equipped with an on-board ATM switch and IP router using commercially available components. (http://www.lmco.com/)
Lockheed Martin, January 21, 1998

TELEGLOBE, TELSTRA LAUNCH HYBRID CABLE/SATELLITE INTERNET LINK
Teleglobe and Telstra activated a 45Mbps hybrid cable/satellite asymmetric link between Australia and the US for Internet connectivity. The connection uses a simplex circuit on Telstra's existing transoceanic cable capacity for the inbound link to the United States and a 45Mbps simplex satellite link from via INTELSAT for the return link to Australia. The hybrid/asymmetric solution is expected to be much more cost effective for carriers with Internet connections to the US. (http://www.teleglobe.ca/)
Teleglobe, January 15, 1998

MCI PROVIDES TELECOM MALAYSIA WITH SATELLITE LINK
MCI announced contracts valued at a total US$60 million to supply Internet connectivity to Telecom Malaysia, DACOM of Korea, ANTEL of Uruguay, TELINTAR of Argentina, and RWANDA TEL. The Telecom Malaysia Internet connection will be provided over a 45Mbps satellite link. (http://www.mci.com)
MCI, December 9, 1997

WRC ADOPTS BROADBAND SATELLITE SPECTRUM SHARING AGREEMENT
A month long World Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) concluded with a regulatory agreement on spectrum sharing required for next-generation broadband satellites. The agreement supports frequency sharing and re-use between LEO, GEO, and terrestrial systems. Previously, non-geostationary satellite systems including the Teledesic "Internet-in-the-Sky" project backed by Bill Gates, Craig McCaw and Boeing, held exclusive rights to 400MHz in the Ka-band frequencies. The WRC decision was strongly supported by Alcatel and its proposed SkyBridge constellation of 64 LEO satellites, as well by Motorola and its proposed Celestri Systems of 63 LEO satellites and nine GEO satellites. Alcatel expects its first SkyBridge services be rolled out by the end of 2001, while Motorola anticipates having its system in operation by 2003. Teledesic said the new international agreement removed its last major regulatory obstacle. The WRC framework designates a pair of 500 MHz bands of spectrum internationally for use by non-geostationary fixed satellite services (NGSO FSS) and these paired bands match those licensed to Teledesic earlier this year by the US FCC. Teledesic, which plans to launch 288 LEO satellites (plus a number of spare satellites), is targeting its service to begin in 2002.
(http://www.skybridgesatellite.com/, http://www.mot.com/GSS/SSTG/projects/celestri/index.html, http://www.teledesic.com/newsroom/11-21-97.html)
Alcatel, Motorola, Teledesic, November 21, 1997

ALCATEL ANNOUNCES NEW SKYBRIDGE SATELLITE INVESTORS
Mitsubishi, Sharp, SPAR Aerospace of Canada, and Aerospatiale of France have committed financial support to the US$3.5 billion SkyBridge broadband satellite initiative led by Alcatel Alsthom. SkyBridge aims to launch a constellation of 64 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites supporting global broadband services capable of downstream speeds of up to 60Mbps, with up to 2 Mbps on the return link. (http://www.alcatel.com)
Alcatel, November 12, 1997

MOTOROLA AWARDS US$1BILLION CELESTRI CONTRACT TO MATRA MARCONI
Motorola awarded a contract valued in excess of US$1 billion to Matra Marconi Space S.A. for the development and supply of the system bus platform of its planned Celestri broadband satellite constellation. Matra Marconi Space will supply the systems for 70 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and on geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites. Celestri, which is expected to be operational in 2003, aims provide global bandwidth on demand using a combination of LEO and GEO satellites linked to terrestrial networks. Celestri specifications call for intersatellite link rates of 4.5Gbps, satellite switch rates of 17.5Gbps, and earth terminal bit rates ranging from 2Mbps to 155Mbps. The company envisions a number of CPE and carrier interconnection devices at competitive price points. White papers on Celestri, as well as Motorola's licensing application to the FCC, are available online. Matra Marconi Space is a joint venture by LAGARDERE (France) and GEC (UK).
(http://www.mot.com/GSS/SSTG/projects/celestri/index.html)
Motorola, October 29, 1997

COMSAT ANNOUNCES 2MBPS SMALL SATELLITE DISH CAPABILITY
COMSAT announced a new "Link One" satellite communications technology that supports ATM, Frame Relay, SS7 and ISDN connections in an integrated platform. COMSAT's Link One technology allows antennas measuring 2.4 meters to support data rates of 2 Mbps, while 11meter antennas can support up to 32 Mbps. Pre-commercial testing is expected to begin in early 1998. (http://www.comsat.com/corp/news/prod_serv/prod_serv.html)
COMSAT, October 21, 1997

DIVICOM TOOL MERGES DATA WITH MPEG VIDEO STREAMS
DiviCom has introduced a means to merge high-speed data with MPEG video streams in real-time. The company's MPEG Media Toolkit, which consists of a Windows NT workstation, DiviCom's real-time MPEG I/O board and a set of application programming interfaces (APIs), allows data to be injected into MPEG video streams in a network setting. The solution supports real time data input rates of up to 40Mbps or 80Mbps of unidirectional output. DiviCom said it will use the technology for a corporate LAN interconnection service using direct broadcast satellites (DBS). DiviCom's MPEG-2/DVB Internetworking Via Satellite system will also feature multicast delivery capabilities. (http://www.divi.com)
DiviCom , September 12, 1997

NORTEL FORMS SATELLITE NETWORKS SOLUTIONS UNIT
Nortel has formed a Satellite Network Solutions division to design, build and commission networks for broadband, multimedia satellite telecommunications. Nortel said the new unit will build satellite access and satellite ground network systems equipment based on GSM and CDMA technology. Nortel's Magellan family of ATM, Frame Relay and packet data networking products will also be leveraged. (http://www.nortel.com)
Nortel News Release, September 10, 1997

RAYTHEON AWARDED $44 MILLION FOR ARMY COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS
Raytheon Electronic Systems was awarded a US$44 million contract to supply telecom equipment for the Multiplex Integration and Defense Communications Satellite Automation System (MIDAS), part of the US military global network of 88 Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) nodes. Under the contract, Raytheon, COMSAT-RSI and DNE Technologies will supply modular multiplexers, cryptographic modules, matrix switching and ATM baseband communications equipment. (http://www.raytheon.com/res/)
Raytheon, August 28, 1997

COM DEV AND NEWBRIDGE LAUNCH SPACEBRIDGE NETWORKS CORPORATION
Newbridge Networks will launch a joint venture with COM DEV International to supply broadband products for multimedia satellite networks and related ground segments. The new SpaceBridge Networks Corporation plans to deliver high bit-rate on-board satellite switches using ATM, Frame Relay or TDM technology. The company will customize terrestrial ATM and TDM switch technology from Newbridge while leveraging the satellite and wireless systems strengths of COM DEV. Financial terms were not disclosed. COM DEV International is a Canadian-based technology company offering communications technology to major satellite contractors. (http://www.newbridge.com)
Newbridge Networks, August 14, 1997

GDC PROVIDES US AIR FORCE WITH ATM
General DataComm's has been chosen to provide the ATM infrastructure for the United States Air Force Space Command Spacelift Range System network, a multimillion dollar network being designed and built by systems integrator Harris Corporation. GDC will supply 37 ATM switches from its APEX product family for the ATM WAN. The Air Force's Space Command Spacelift Range System project includes a redundant, SONET OC-12 (622Mbps) Cape Fiber Optic Network (CFON) for providing enhanced communications at Cape Canaveral, Florida; a Range Operations Control Center for consolidating network management; and a USAF Eastern Range Satellite Network for tracking space vehicles. Financial terms were not disclosed. (http://www.gdc.com)
GDC, August 11, 1997

SPRINT TESTING ATM VIA SATELLITE TO HONG KONG, TAIWAN
Sprint has begun testing COMSAT World Systems' satellite-based ATM service with Hong Kong Telecom and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd. The ATM-via-satellite trial is expected to be expanded to Thailand and Singapore later this year. The trial represents one of the earliest tests of multipoint ATM via satellite among multiple carriers. COMSAT initiated commercial ATM satellite services in March, supporting speeds up to DS-3. (http://www.sprint.com/sprint/press/releases/9707/9707310441.html)
Sprint, July 31, 1997

LORAL AND ALCATEL ALLIANCE FOR MULTIMEDIA SATELLITE NETWORKS
Loral Space & Communications and Alcatel Alsthom have formed an alliance to jointly develop, deploy and operate two separate satellite networks for providing global multimedia services. Under the pact, Alcatel will invest in Loral's US$1.6 billion geostationary (GEO) satellite CyberStar project, which aims to provide Internet access, data broadcasting and other broadband interconnection services via leased Ku-band satellite transponders beginning in late 1997. CyberStar plans to have its own dedicated constellation of geosynchronous Ka-band satellites ready beginning in 1999. Loral will make a similar cross-investment in Alcatel's US$3.5 billion SkyBridge project, which plans to use 64 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites for bandwidth on demand services beginning in 2001. SkyBridge's main features include use of the Ku band and ATM-based interconnection with terrestrial infrastructure. Announcement of the Alcatel/Loral alliance comes one day after the Wall Street Journal reported that Motorola is planning its own US$12.9 billion satellite constellation for delivering multimedia services.
(http://www.alcatel.com/news/pressrel/alsthom/1997/06_18uk.htm)
Alcatel , June 18, 1997

BELL LABS DEMOS ULTRA-HIGH-POWER SMF LASERS
Bell Labs has developed a working prototype high power single-mode fiber laser that could be used to significantly boost communications signals in long-haul communications systems, such as satellite-to-satellite links. The experimental laser produces an output power as high as 20.4 watts at 1101 nanometers into a single-mode fiber, or up to 300% higher than conventional devices. (http://www.lucent.com/press/0597/970528.bla.html)
Bell Labs, May 28, 1997

Boeing Takes 10% Equity Stake in Teledesic
Boeing will become an equity partner in Teledesic and serve as the prime contractor for the company’s global, broadband "Internet-in-the-Sky." Boeing will invest up to $100 million for 10 percent of the current ownership of Teledesic, a private company whose primary investors are Craig McCaw and Chairman Bill Gates. Boeing plans to lead an international team of suppliers to design, build and launch hundreds of LEO satellites for the Teledesic network. (http://www.teledesic.com/newsroom/04-29-97.html)
Teledesic, April 29, 1997

ROCKWELL SEMICONDUCTOR FORMS NETWORK ACCESS DIVISION
Rockwell Semiconductor Systems has formed a new business unit focused on 56Kbps access concentrators, xDSL terminals, T1/E1 components, and ATM and other packet-switched WAN equipment. Rockwell acquired Brooktree in September 1996, adding xDSL modem chips, ATM SAR controllers, T1/E1 line interface units and framers, ADPCM voice compression devices, and HDLC and SMDS formatters to its portfolio. Last week, Rockwell also announced plans to acquire the Hi-Media broadband communications chipset business of ComStream Corporation for approximately US$50 million. The Hi-Media division of ComStream is a major IC supplier for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) set-top boxes in the US. Hi-Media's products also include network interface modules based on QPSK and QAM broadband modem technologies. (http://www.nb.rockwell.com/)
Rockwell, April 14, 1997

HNS ANNOUNCES ADAPTER FOR MS DIGITAL TV
Hughes Network Systems, Inc. (HNS) said that it is on track to deliver a Digital Satellite System PC adapter card that supports Microsoft's recently announced video and data broadcast capabilities for Windows. The card is expected to be introduced later this year and will interoperate with the DIRECTV digital satellite service. (http://www.hns.com)
Hughes Network Systems, April 16, 1997

YURIE INTRODUCES ATM SERVICE ACCESS MUX SUPPORTING NOISY LINKS
Yurie Systems launched an ATM service access multiplexer designed for corporate networks. The new LDR50 ATM service access multiplexer offers four user slots and supports a variety of standard network and user interfaces, including OC-3c, T3, T1, V.35, and EIA-232/V.24. Yurie plans to add an Ethernet module later this year, as well as E1 and E3 interfaces. The customer premises product also features Yurie's patented Limitless ATM Network protocol and adaptive queue management algorithm for supporting ATM connections over low-speed and poor-quality circuits, such as satellite links or specialized applications for airline, cruise ship and oil industries. List prices range from US$20,000 to US$40,000, depending on configuration. Yurie Systems offers two other ATM access platforms: a device designed for branch offices with ATM at T1 speeds or lower and a carrier-class ATM access concentrator. (http://www.yurie.com)
Yurie Systems, April 10, 1997

DIVICOM TO PROVIDE MPEG-2/DVB SYSTEMS TO AUSTRALIA'S OPTUS
Australia's Optus Communications has chosen DiviCom Inc. to provide both the MPEG-2/DVB equipment and integration for the head-end facilities of its multimillion dollar domestic digital broadcast satellite service. The forthcoming Optus Aurora service will rely on an ATM network to transmit from remote head-end facilities much of the programming that it will send over satellite. Divicom said the majority of its ATM-compatible MPEG-2/DVB encoders will be installed at the Optus primary satellite ground station at Belrose, near Sydney. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Optus Aurora service, which is expected go live between June and August of this year, will enable residential consumers in remote areas of Australia to receive TV, audio channels and data with a single satellite dish. (http://www.divi.com, http://www.optus.net/)
Optus, March 26, 1997

COMSAT ANNOUNCES COMMERCIAL ATM VIA SATELLITE SERVICE
Comsat Corp. said that it is now offering point-to-point commercial ATM services at rates up to 45Mbps on a worldwide basis. Comsat's ATM service uses specialized satellite interfaces that can be located at the customer's premises, the earth station or the ATM switch. Sprint is testing the ATM satellite service. Comsat said other uses could include corporate intranet access to geographically remote locations. (http://www.comsat.com)
Comsat, March 17, 1997

FCC LICENSES TELEDESIC'S "INTERNET-IN-THE-SKY"
Teledesic Corp. was granted a license by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to build, launch and operate a constellation of low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) telecommunications satellites. The FCC license allows Teledesic to make use of 500MHz of domestic radio frequency in the 28GHz band -- the uplink portion of the Ka-band -- and a corresponding 500MHz of downlink spectrum. The ITU has already designated the same radio spectrum for use by non-geostationary fixed satellite services. Teledesic, which is backed by TCI's Craig McCaw and Microsoft's Bill Gates, anticipates that its initial service will begin in 2002. (http://www.teledesic.com/)
Teledesic, March 14, 1997

CEBIT: INTEL BACKS EUROPEAN SATELLITE MULTIMEDIA COMPANY
Intel and Societe Europeenne des Satellite (SES) have formed a joint venture to deliver data communications services by satellite to individual PC users across Europe. The new European Satellite Multimedia Services company, which will be based in Luxembourg, will use SES's existing ASTRA satellites and Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) transmission standards. ASTRA-NET PC reception will require a 50-60cm, fixed, single-feed dish and a DVB-compliant PC card. (http://www.astra.lu)
Astra, March 12, 1997

ALCATEL FILES FCC APPLICATION FOR MULTIMEDIA SATELLITE CONSTELLATION
Alcatel Alsthom has filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch and operate 64 low Earth orbit satellites. The "SkyBridge" constellation of satellites aims to provide high-speed data communications services at rates up to 60Mbps to business and residential users worldwide beginning in 2001. Alcatel estimates the capital cost of the project at US$3.5 billion and expects the funds will be raised through a combination of equity and debt placements. The FCC application seeks authority to use the Ku band, which would be shared with existing geostationary satellites using new technology developed by Alcatel. (http://www.alcatel.com/)
Alcatel, February 28, 1997

Copyright 1999, 1998, 1997 ATM News Inc.